Children and Families Officer

The Church of England; Hove; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A religious organization in Hove is seeking a Children & Families Officer to lead the strategy for children and family ministry across Sussex. The ideal candidate will have experience in children and families ministry within a Christian context and be adaptable and organized. Responsibilities include mentoring parish teams, developing innovative programs, and fostering relationships between church schools and parishes. This role offers a salary of £38,600, flexible pension contributions, and 28 days annual leave.

Benefits

Salary of £38,600 per annum

Diocesan Pension Scheme

28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Free parking at Church House

Use of ride to work scheme

Free eye tests

Qualifications

• Experience in children and families ministry within a Christian context.
• Ability to inspire and equip others through training and mentoring.
• Adaptable, organized, and an excellent communicator.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the strategy for children and family ministry across Sussex.
• Equip and resource parishes to engage children and families.
• Develop innovative programs aligned with Diocesan Growth Strategy.

Skills

Experience in children and families ministry

Understanding of mission and evangelism principles

Training and mentoring skills

Organizational and communication skills

Education

Level 3 qualification

Job description

Do you have a passion for helping children and families grow in faith? The Diocese of Chichester is seeking a Children & Families Officer to lead and deliver our strategy for children and family ministry across Sussex.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to :

• Equip and resource parishes to engage children and families in Christian discipleship.
• Develop innovative programmes aligned with our Diocesan Growth Strategy.
• Mentor and support paid and volunteer children and family workers.
• Promote evangelism and lifelong vocation among children and their families.
• Foster stronger links between church schools and parish ministry.
• Be part of a supportive team committed to growing faith among children and families

You’ll work closely with clergy, parish teams, and national networks to share best practice and deliver training, events, and resources that make a real impact.

About You

We’re looking for someone who :

Has experience in children and families ministry within a Christian context.

Understands mission and evangelism principles in the Church of England.

Can inspire and equip others through training and mentoring.

Is adaptable, organised, and an excellent communicator.

Is a practising Christian (Genuine Occupational Requirement applies).

A Level 3 qualification is essential; theological training and experience with digital tools are desirable. Travel and occasional evening / weekend work will be necessary.

Please see the job description and person specification for full details.

What we offer :

A salary of £38,600 per annum

Enrolment into the Diocesan Pension Scheme with a employer contribution and flexible employee contribution of between 0-6%

28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional 2 privilege days leave per year

Free parking at Church House, use of the ride to work scheme and free eye tests

As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive .

This post carries a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a Christian under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

An enhanced DBS disclosure is required.

The Diocese of Chichester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. Our full safeguarding policy can be found

Interviews will be held at Church House, Hove on Friday 16th January 2026.